SRQ DAILY Mar 19, 2021
Friday Weekend Edition
"Gilliam's work is almost like a visual representation of jazz music."
Few styles of painting invite the appreciator to ponder the mind of the artist like abstract. With its rejection of representational images, the conversation quickly turns to the artists feelings, interests and worldview. In the case of Sam Gilliam, whose colorful work brings order and chaos and dimension to the canvas, The Ringling’s Marian Carpenter, Associate Director of Collections, offers an intriguing explanation. “Gilliam’s work is almost like a visual representation of jazz music,” she says.
Gilliam was a prominent member of the Washington Color School, a collection of abstract painters that championed the use of color field and lyrical abstraction techniques to express a rapidly changing social environment. The same could be said for jazz music, particularly post-war bebop with its frenetic and unhinged rejection of conventional music rules seeming to express the fragmentation and anxiety of the mid-century. Jazz musicians took existing chord progressions and bent them to their will, creating something avant-garde in the process. For Gilliam, it was the established conventions of abstract painting and color field techniques that he infused with his own burst of energy and genius to create pieces exploding with texture, color and joy.
His experimentation would see him work on unstretched canvases, with metal and plywood, printmaking and collage techniques. The Ringling’s exhibition, compiled primarily from private local collections, includes a broad survey of these mediums and techniques.
Slanting (1993, acrylic and collage on panel) serves as a fitting synopsis of his style and hangs at the entrance to the exhibition space. Composed of thickly applied acrylic paints on dozens of pieces of paper, Gilliam manages to wield chaos and order with an even hand. The different pieces of paper collaged together give each color its own distinct place in the whole, and even on the piece’s right hand side, where black and salmon and green share an edge, there’s a unity of vision that shows careful deliberation.
Other pieces like the silkscreen St. Albans push the boundaries of complexity in their respective mediums. Chaotic hash marks in myriad different colors are laid over the suggestion of an American flag, the whole print likely requiring a dozen or more different screens to layer the colors. In the case of What Fish Sea I and What Fish Sea II, Carpenter and executive director Steven High secured two smaller pieces of Gilliam’s unstretched canvas works. Stitched together from several different oil-painted pieces of material, the paintings take on the look of colorful found objects or deconstructed jackets. “What’s really neat about these is that they never hang exactly the same way twice,” says High, “so every time they’re exhibited, the viewer gets something a little different.”
Miles Davis and John Coltrane would be proud. “Sam Gilliam: Selections” runs through August 15th. 
Reading A Bright Ray of Darkness by Ethan Hawke is like being blindfolded and given a rich piece of chocolate cake. Some bites (paragraphs) lead you to believe that the cake is homemade from the finest imported ingredients. Other bites make you feel like it’s simply Sara Lee out of a box.
But that’s exactly the point and beauty of Hawke’s latest novel. Humans aren’t one type of cake, in fact each of us possess a mystery of very deep and shallow thoughts, feelings and behaviours.
The narrative is thus: an actor takes on a physically and mentally strenuous role for the Broadway production of Shakespeare's Henry IV. Meanwhile, his marriage to a famous rock star implodes, as tabloids sensationalize all the tawdry details.
As facile as that may sound, sprinkle in soul searching advice from everyone the actor encounters: taxi drivers, fellow thespians, his children, mistresses and of course, his divorced parents. What evolves is a beautiful treatise on being a fallible human and loving yourself while simultaneously evolving into not only achieving at your highest level, but also still serving those most important (your children).
While distracted in a fun, titillated way (did any of this really happen to Ethan?), I was even more deeply moved as the main character attempts forgiveness for his father, and the universal truth that no matter how much we might deny, parental acceptance is monumentally crucial to our own development and self-worth.
Roxanne Baker is a Bookseller at BookStore1 Sarasota. Bookstore1Sarasota was opened in 2011 with one mission: to bring a high-quality independent bookstore to the Sarasota area. Their passion for the joy of books inspired them in the beginning and continues to drive them today. They offer a shopping experience curated with their customers in mind, and are gratified by the long-term relationships they have built with those who have come through their door: patrons and authors alike.
Bookstore1, 12 S Palm Ave, Sarasota, 941-365-7900, georgia@sarasotabooks.com
Florida Studio Theatre (FST) is proud to announce the cast for Three Pianos, an all-new celebration of musicians who took the piano to new heights. When FST was forced to close its doors to the public last March, its artistic team went to work, creating a catalogue of Cabarets for future production. Now, FST’s Gompertz Theatre reopens with Three Pianos, one of the very first shows that went into development last spring. Created by Rebecca Hopkins, Richard Hopkins, and Sarah Durham, with musical arrangements by Jim Prosser, Three Pianos runs from March 31 to May 2, 2021. Tickets are now on sale.
The Suncoast Black Arts Collaborative, a nonprofit organization that promotes using the unifying power of the arts to nurture inclusion and diversity across the regional arts and cultural landscape, presents "Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in the Literary, Film and Media Arts,” as part of its free, four-part Arts & Racial Justice Panel series, Monday, April 19, 5-6:30pm, via the Zoom webinar platform. The moderator for the discussion is Charlayne Hunter-Gault. With a focus on literary arts and film, Hunter-Gault will discuss with the panelists their journey towards a more perfect union with its challenges and rewards. The event is free, but registration is required.
The St. Petersburg Arts Alliance in partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs is accepting applications for the Individual Artist Grant Program. The program is designed to support public engagement (if COVID guidelines allow) of individual work/projects in the Visual Arts, Craft Arts, Dance, Music, Theater or Literature. Application Deadline: Friday, April 30 at 5pm.
The Hermitage Artist Retreat, in collaboration with the Greenfield Foundation, presents its 13th annual Hermitage Greenfield Prize celebration, April 8-12, 2021. This year’s events begin with a virtual first look at “Ocean Body,” the prize-commissioned work by 2019 winner Helga Davis ; a panel discussion with this year’s Hermitage Greenfield Prize jurors and visionary leaders in theater, Mandy Greenfield, Nataki Garrett, and Robert O’Hara; an Artist Talk with 2021 Hermitage Greenfield Prize winner Aleshea Harris; the 2021 Hermitage Greenfield Prize Dinner, and a special Virtual Celebration of the Hermitage Greenfield Prize.
Maestro Victor DeRenzi and Richard Russell will take you on a journey through an extraordinary year and highlight how you, our donors, subscribers, and ticket-buyers, made success possible despite the many challenges. Even though we’re apart, people can still come together to celebrate a remarkable achievement by a devoted community and once again raise our voices in support of Sarasota Opera.
The Board of Directors at the St. Petersburg Arts Alliance is delighted to announce the unanimous approval of Terry Marks as our new Chief Executive Officer beginning March 18. Mary Anna Murphy, Board Chair said, "While we will miss our Founder and Executive Director, John Collins, we are excited to continue the great work of SPAA under Terry’s leadership. Her background in the arts, business and nonprofit sector is a perfect fit to enhance and increase our impact for the community."
On Monday March 22 from 4:30-5:30pm at at 3 Keys Brewing & Eatery in Bradenton, Operation Warrior Rescue (OWR) will be hosting a Meet and Greet event with Royce Gracie, professional mixed martial artist, UFC Hall of Famer, and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu practitioner considered to be one of the most influential figures in the history of mixed martial arts. Join the OWR team to enjoy light appetizers, meet Royce Gracie and learn more about OWR services for veterans and their families.
Any veterans looking to attend, please email to reserve your spot: info@operationwarriorresolution.org.
A secret agent spies and dines at Seabar.
Click here to read the full article in SRQ's March 2021 edition.
We are pleased to announce that the 7th Annual Manatee Pride Festival will be held on September 18, 2021, at the beautiful downtown Bradenton Riverwalk from noon to 5pm. Manatee Pride is a fund raiser, and all proceeds benefit ALSO Youth Sarasota/Manatee a 501(c)(3) non-profit Florida corporation, providing Advocacy, Leadership, Support and outreach for LGBTQ youth in Sarasota and Manatee Counties and dedicated to supporting, affirming, encouraging, enabling and empowering all LGBTQ youth. We would welcome your participation and support at our Festival on September 18, 2021. Our 7th annual Festival, Manatee Pride 2021 will again have live performers and renowned bands, great food, beer, refreshments (and other favorites), health checks and more. We expect our attendance to meet or exceed our previous attendance record. Mark your calendars & tell your friends. We look forward to seeing you in September for a safe & fun Manatee Pride. If you are looking for ways to get involved as a volunteer, participate as a performer, have a booth as a vendor or support our non-profit via a donation, please reach out to Craig@ALSOYOUTH.ORG.
This year the Anna Maria Island Privateers, one of the oldest Not For Profit 501(C)(3) organizations in this geographic area, is celebrating its 50th year providing support and services to our community. In recognition of this accomplishment, we have put together a calendar of unique and exciting events to help you celebrate with us. One of our newest events is the "Black Tie Gala", scheduled for November 13 at from 5pm to 10pm at IMG Academy Golf Club, which will be a venue for honoring our past scholarship recipients. This event will benefit local scholarships and will feature seated dining, a cash bar, cocktail hour, and silent auction. We are currently looking for businesses and individuals who would like to partner with us for this event. For more information on the many ways you can be a part of this gala, visit our website at amiprivateers.org or contact Black Tie Gala event Chair, Kelly "Moulin" Sparkman, at flowergirlkelly@yahoo.com, 941-545-7871.
Join Pier 22 on Easter Sunday and celebrate with a chef-created Holiday Brunch and Dinner menu and waterfront views or place your order to enjoy Easter at home with our Prime Rib Dinner To-Go. In order to maintain social distancing and keeping the health of our customers and staff in mind, we will only be serving a Holiday Plated Brunch. We will not be featuring our traditional Easter Brunch Buffet. Opening Hours: 11am to 10pm. Order Online by 3 pm on Saturday, April 3. Pick-Up Available on Easter Sunday April 4 between 10am and 6pm.
Travels into the heart of the Renaissance in Florence with Botticelli. This program will take place outside in the Benfer Courtyard, located just outside of the Kotler-Coville Glass Pavilion on May 13 at 6:30pm. Tickets will be available starting 30 days prior to the screening date. Available seating will be marked to ensure social distancing. Due to rising COVID cases and safety concerns this event is subject to cancellation. Ticket holders will be notified and refunded if the screening is canceled.
American Fanfare concert will be held Sunday, July 4 at 4pm at the Sarasota Opera House and will be available on demand from July 17 to August 17. Rousing patriotic anthems and stirring inspirational choral works celebrate Independence Day. The Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble joins Choral Artists for the first time, performing Sousa marches to complement the program. Musical fireworks abound in this annual salute to America.
Celebrated mime, actor and educator Bill Bowers will make the ancient art form of mime accessible to a contemporary audience. This Hermitage Fellow and “speaking mime” deftly intersperses narrative with stunning visual portraits. He invites a look at the humor, pain, and beauty of our humanity through simplicity and grace. Bowers’ Broadway credits include Zazu in The Lion King and Leggett in The Scarlet Pimpernel. Bowers has written and performed his own plays Off-Broadway and in theaters around the world. He has been hailed by critics as “the great American mime,” winning top honors at festivals throughout the world. Bowers is a student of the legendary Marcel Marceau. This event will occur on Friday, March 19 at 5:30pm on Hermitage beach, 6660 Manasota Key Road, Englewood. Registration required at HermitageArtistRetreat.org.
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast will host special gallery hours on March 19 and 20 to view the works of fine arts painter Deborah Pierce Bonnell and her exhibit of landscapes and nature, entitled Reflecting on Florida. The artist will be present on both days, and has generously offered a 20% discount on all artwork purchased. Credit cards are accepted. Gallery hours in the Burrows-Matson House are from 1pm to 4pm on Friday, March 19, and Saturday, March 20, at 400 Palmetto Avenue in Osprey. Attendance is limited for this special gallery event and COVID-19 protocols will be in place. Masks are required and registration will be for a specific 30-minute time period. Only 10 guests will be allowed in the gallery at a time. Visit www.conservationfoundation.com/events to register. Deborah Pierce Bonnell is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design and her career has encompassed graphic design, textile design and teaching. She has focused on fine art, painting since 1995 and has exhibited at shows and galleries throughout New England and Texas; her works hang in many private collections. Learn more at www.deborahpiercebonnell.com.
Come meet the Towels Court Seasonal Art Walk Artists on Friday, March 19 from 4pm to 8pm. Shop and dine in the unique 1920;s bungalows that house a collection of artistic and culinary talents. Featured artists include Peter Garon, contemporary fine art, and Ellen Kantro, abstract and mixed media. Live music by Latin Rendezvous. Galleries are open Tuesday through Saturday from 11am to 4pm and the Bodhi Tree Cafe is open Wednesday through Saturday from 5pm to 8:30pm, please make reservations. Face masks and social distancing required within galleries.
The 2021 Sarasota County Fair will take place from Friday, March 19 until Sunday, March 28. Tickets are on sale now. Admission: Buy Online, Save Time and Save Money. Adults ages 13 and up are $10 at gate and $8 Online. Children ages 6- 12 are $6 at gate and $4 online. Seniors ages 55 and up are $5.00. Military are $5.00. Children 5 and under are Free. Online tickets will be on sale soon. The Sarasota County Fair is implementing safety guidelines for attendance. COVID-19 exposure is an inherent risk in public locations where people are present. The Fair has engaged Bactronix Suncoast to spray all public touch points (such as doors, bathroom fixture, toilets, chairs, bleachers). Their process will kill any virus on contact and keep it from being transmitted. Check out their video below. The Sarasota County Fair will post health warnings, social distance reminders, signs encouraging masks- especially indoors, and have additional sanitizers. Guests should only attend after evaluating their own health risks. The Sarasota County Fair cannot guarantee you will not be exposed during your visit. Purchase of a ticket, pass, or ride armband and entry onto the Sarasota Fairgrounds constitutes your understanding of these risks and your willingness to undertake the risk of exposure. No refunds will be given following your entry onto the fairgrounds.
Florida Studio Theatre’s resident improv troupe, FST Improv, will return to a weekly live performance schedule with Triple Play, a full-length show created specifically to entertain from a distance. Drawing inspiration from audience suggestions, a rotating cast of three improvisers will perform games, scenes, and songs—all made up on the spot. Starting Saturday, March 20, Triple Play will take place Saturday evenings at 8:30pm for socially-distanced audiences in FST’s Keating Theatre. Tickets are $15 per person and are now on sale. To purchase tickets, call FST’s Box Office at 941.366.9000 or visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org. FST's musical improvisers, Jim Prosser and Helena Rankin, will provide comical accompaniment as performers play some of Sarasota's favorite improv games - all while maintaining social distancing. In addition to live audiences, the cast of Triple Play will draw inspiration from prompts submitted virtually through text or via Twitter. With this added virtual element, FST Improv will engage with audiences in Sarasota and beyond. Triple Play performances will be socially-distanced and in compliance of all CDC guidelines, including socially-distanced seating, paperless ticketing, and limited theatre capacities. Facial coverings must be worn at all times - including throughout performances - when on campus at FST, aside from dining in FST's Green Room Cafe & Bar. Socially-distanced pre-show dining is available indoors and outdoors in FST's Green Room Cafe & Bar one hour before each Triple Play performance.
The Pops Orchestra is proud to present a “High Five Pop Up Concert Series” featuring the String Quartet, Woodwind Quintet, and Brass Quintet from The Pops performing in various outdoor settings around the Suncoast region at 5:30pm. Conductor Robyn Bell will lead you through a 60-minute show full of laughs, stories, and, of course, wonderful light classical, Broadway, film, and other popular music performed by the chamber music groups. It’s just what your soul has been seeking. Due to Covid restrictions, you won’t actually be able to give anybody a “high five” See you at the safe show. You have three opportunities to catch the Pops Orchestra's Chamber Groups in concert: on Saturday, March 20 at 5:30pm at Marie Selby Gardens, on Sunday, April 11 at 5:30pm at Historic Spanish Point (and help Robyn celebrate her birthday on this date), and on Saturday, May 15 at 5:30pm at Nathan Benderson Park.
Brimming with pulsating rhythms, pure energy and melodic music, the National Dance Company of Ireland’s Rhythm of the Dance show has reached 50 countries with over seven million fans for over 20 years. Fans around the world are enjoying 2,000 years and more of dance, music, songs and culture from pre-Celtic times to modern day sounds, all compacted into a two-hour concert. It’s full of flailing feet and fiddles, futuristic dances, eye-catching lighting and costumes and sensational sound effects, and is now hailed as one of the top three Irish step dance shows in the world. Streaming on demand from Monday, March 1 through Wednesday, March 31. Tickets are $20.
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